40 Over-The-Top Creations That Will Leave You Confused But Impressed

There’s a fine line between genius and madness, and the subreddit r/ATBGE is proof that some people walk that line with confidence—and absolutely no shame. Imagine a gold-plated toilet that looks like it belongs to a medieval king, a bedazzled car that could blind you on a sunny day, or a cake that’s so well-made yet so horrifyingly ugly that you don’t know whether to eat it or run. That’s the kind of brilliance we’re celebrating today.

In this glorious collection, Grumpy Sharks’ gathered 40 creations that are technically impressive but aesthetically… questionable. These are the kind of things that make you pause and ask, Was this really necessary? But hey, beauty is subjective, and who are we to judge someone’s dream of a neon pink fur-covered couch? So sit back, prepare your eyes, and get ready for a rollercoaster of design decisions you’ll either love, hate, or both at the same time.

#1. Cursed Chainmail Mankini. Fashion? Debatable. Have this horrible creation of mine that I both do and don’t regret making. I spent actual hours of my life on this for shits and giggles. It’s about as comfortable as you’d imagine without clothes to protect your bits

Source: EnbyViking

#2. ant Mario

Source: scopeta51

#3. Big feet wet, little feet dry

Source: AgentBlue62

#4. This was a decision. So much pain for whatever this is.

Source: Old-Leek-8617

#5. This taxidermy combination

Source: FatAndForty

All of these jaw-dropping gems were sourced from the iconic subreddit r/ATBGE. With over 1.7 million members, this community celebrates creations that might not look good—but you can’t deny the craftsmanship.

“Awful Taste But Great Execution” is more than a punchline. It’s an aesthetic. A mood. A lifestyle. And the contributors to r/ATBGE are the elite artists of that world.

Grumpy Sharks dived deep into the archives to pull the funniest, wildest, most masterfully bad-good designs. These are the pieces that make you say, “Wait… do I love this?” (Answer: yes. Yes, you do.)

#6. You like some raw man?

Source: BunnyLovesApples

#7. I’m not sure what it is….a wine stopper?

Source: ImaginaryProfile5529

#8. This nightmare rabbit topiary bush thing

Source: Reddit User

#9. Bikini Nails

Source: cultrecommendations

#10. At what point are stairs not stairs?

Source: 4dspecs

You’ve probably walked by something like this in real life—a leopard print kitchen. A custom airbrushed van mural of a flaming sword-wielding dolphin. A cake shaped like a rotisserie chicken that looked a little too real.

There’s something oddly thrilling about seeing extreme ideas brought to life. It’s like spotting a glitch in the design matrix—except it’s wearing glitter and 6-inch platform Crocs.

#11. The heel of these heels are heels

Source: Daft_Serious

#12. Not what I meant when I said plate armour

Source: wolf-bot

#13. Um, what?

Source: TypicalPhilip

#14. Tiny heart dumplings…just what I’ve always wanted

Source: KrissiKross

#15. I can only imagine what this does to high-beams

Source: Mattmatt27

I once bought a candle that smelled like gasoline on purpose. It was shaped like a raccoon’s face. I don’t even like raccoons. But the craftsmanship? Impeccable.

My friend has a lamp made entirely from doll heads. It glows softly. People are weird. But weird is wonderful. And weird plus skill? That’s art, baby.

#16. Did a double take when I saw this rock in my friend’s yard. she said it came from the tenants before her, but I think it is the tenant.

Source: Lainbrainbutt

#17. This expertly bound $3200 Bible from 1848…bound in hairy human skin

Source: Murderhands

#18. This watch from the ’80s

Source: ICEwaveFX

#19. God take mercy on the South, they know not what they do

Source: Sunflowerburps

#20. When I saw these I immediately thought of this sub

Source: BuddyGlass0506

Psychologists call this cognitive dissonance—when something challenges your sense of taste but simultaneously delights you. It’s the brain’s version of a double-take.

A 2019 study on design appreciation found that people are more likely to remember and talk about designs that break the rules—especially when they’re done well.

That’s the secret of r/ATBGE. You think it’s awful, but you’ll show it to everyone you know.

#21. This mailbox I saw while doing deliveries

Source: Reddit User

#22. Does this mask belong here

Source: d3333p7

#23. What is this outfit

Source: Kendocreep

#24. Imagine someone explaining this in an art gallery to people of the future

Source: Laviticus_Maximus

#25. I saw the tree trunk ATM and I had to post the pride and glory of Vienna Austria

Source: mitzikatzi

One second you’re horrified. The next, you’re low-key impressed. That emotional zig-zag is what makes this content addictive.

Neuroscientist Dr. Anjan Chatterjee refers to this as the “aesthetic paradox.” When something ugly is done beautifully, it activates multiple parts of your brain—curiosity, admiration, confusion—all at once. It’s not just design. It’s psychological chaos. And we crave it.

#26. Saw this on my way to lunch

Source: L3J3ND97

#27. Saw this car absolutely covered in baby dolls today. Truly haunting.

Source: Reddit User

#28. Saw this outside the dispensary today

Source: TheVykin

#29. Not sure if this belongs here

Source: Jfonzy

#30. Saw this nightmare on facebook and had to share

Source: RealSimplexity

In the age of minimalism and beige-on-beige interiors, this type of maximalist chaos feels like rebellion. It’s not trying to please. It’s trying to shock, amuse, and confuse you into paying attention.

Gen Z and millennials in particular are driving the rise of “intentional cringe”—design choices that double as conversation starters. In this sense, r/ATBGE isn’t just funny—it’s part of a cultural shift.

#31. Just came across this on instagram…

Source: Reddit User

#32. This necklace I saw on Pinterest

Source: aestheticwhimsy

#33. I saw we were posting kitchens. Here is this leather monstrosity

Source: hi_generic_username

#34. Saw this and knew it belonged here

Source: izzylikesdogs

#35. This dentist’s waiting room

Source: Panda_911

According to design journalist Ingrid Fetell Lee, author of Joyful, bold and bizarre visuals create moments of delight: “When we see something colorful, unexpected, or wildly unique, it sparks joy and breaks monotony.”

That explains why even the ugliest shoes with rhinestone flames and 12-inch heels can go viral. They interrupt the visual noise—and we love them for it.

#36. My dad saw this interesting vehicle at a truck stop yesterday.

Source: thatoneblondekid

#37. This bike I saw while shopping at a flea market

Source: Ant_Diamond64

What separates “what were they thinking?” from “I kind of want this”? It’s effort. Intent. The sheer audacity of execution.

• A crocodile-themed motorcycle seat? Yes.
• A disco ball toilet? Honestly? Maybe.
• A wedding cake shaped like Shrek’s head? …We’re listening.

These aren’t accidents. They’re declarations—and r/ATBGE is the gallery where they proudly live.

#38. I think whoever did this, really nailed this oysters

Source: Snow75

#39. This chair sculpted from wood

Source: pengouin85

#40. Saw this on the highway while at work. Dunno if I love or hate the exhaust pipe!

Source: SowerpussYT

And that’s 40 works of art (or crimes against taste?) that we’ll never forget. Whether you secretly admire these creations or feel personally attacked by them, one thing is undeniable: the craftsmanship is top-tier, even if the taste is… debatable.

Now, it’s your turn! Have you ever seen—or even owned—something that belongs in this collection? A bedazzled phone case that blinded everyone around you? A leopard-print couch that looked better in theory? Share your best (or worst) finds in the comments—we won’t judge (much).